Papermaking is a typical high-energy-consumption industry. From pulping and stock flow to sheet forming, drive equipment has long used asynchronous motor and gearbox combinations. Their energy share is high and transmission losses are inherent. Against increasingly stringent carbon-neutrality and industrial-efficiency requirements, high-efficiency motors and advanced drive systems have become an important path for paper producers to improve operational efficiency and lower total cost.
Key requirements in conventional paper production
The customer needed to reduce rising electricity and maintenance costs while preserving continuous production, cut unplanned downtime through more stable drive operation, and secure mature, sustainable technical support. Drawing on motor, variable-frequency control and process-control capability, Wolong provides paper customers with end-to-end service from technical selection and commissioning to operation and maintenance.
The project is located at an overseas paper-production base. To meet high-temperature and dusty site conditions, it uses Wolong low-speed, high-torque permanent-magnet direct-drive motors and a dedicated drive-control system, integrated and commissioned on the production line.
Core technical highlights
Customised design: The motor system is designed for wet-process papermaking sections and an ambient range of -10°C to 50°C. Motor protection can reach IP66 with water cooling, meeting S1 continuous-duty requirements and enabling bidirectional rotation and low-speed, high-torque operation.
High-performance targets: The system uses encoder-based vector control, with speed accuracy up to ±0.25%. The complete drive system achieves not less than 95% overall efficiency and energy savings of up to 25%, while operating noise is no higher than 85dB(A). The VFD provides multiple protection functions, and the system’s mean trouble-free operating time is not less than 50,000 hours.
High-specification components: Key equipment uses quality components including SKF bearings, Baosteel electrical steel and high-performance neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnets, supporting long-term reliability and performance at both material and manufacturing levels.
Complete delivery and results
Wolong supplies a complete package including permanent-magnet synchronous direct-drive motors, VFD control cabinets, PLC control systems, human-machine interfaces and cooling systems, together with technical documentation and qualification files. The service framework covers rapid response and site support, helping ensure stable operation after commissioning.
After the complete permanent-magnet direct-drive solution was introduced, system operating efficiency improved by 20%–40% compared with conventional asynchronous transmission. Simplifying the mechanical transmission structure lowered equipment fault rates, improved reliability and made installation and routine maintenance easier. The project also reduces carbon emissions and improves the production environment, helping the customer move toward low-carbon, high-efficiency green manufacturing.
Wolong has now established cooperation with this paper producer on new construction and upgrade projects across multiple plants. By continuously applying mature permanent-magnet direct-drive technology, the partnership will support energy saving, higher productivity and the next stage of green, low-carbon and sustainable development in the paper industry.